Pemphiginae
Guides
Melaphis asafitchi
Melaphis asafitchi is a North American aphid species in the subtribe Melaphidina, described in 2018 following molecular and morphometric analysis that revealed cryptic species diversity within what was previously considered Melaphis rhois. It is one of at least three sympatric cryptic melaphidine species on the continent. The species exhibits ovoviviparity in sexual females, a notable reproductive trait among aphids.
Mordwilkoja
Mordwilkoja is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Pemphiginae. Species in this genus induce galls on host plants and exhibit defensive behaviors against predators. The genus has been used as an outgroup in molecular studies of social behavior evolution in related aphid genera.
Mordwilkoja vagabunda
Poplar Vagabond Aphid
A gall-forming aphid that induces distinctive galls on Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood). Nymphs exhibit anti-predator behaviors including synchronized rhythmic movements and active defense against pyralid moth larvae using legs and rostrums. Unlike some related aphids, defensive nymphs include alatoid forms rather than specialized first-instar soldiers. The species has a complex life cycle with alternation between primary and secondary hosts.
Neoprociphilus
Neoprociphilus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Pemphiginae. The genus was established by Patch in 1912. The best-known species, Neoprociphilus aceris, has been studied for its life history and morphology. Members of this genus are associated with maple trees (Acer).
Neoprociphilus aceris
woolly maple aphid, woolly alder aphid
Neoprociphilus aceris is a woolly aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the woolly maple aphid or woolly alder aphid. It exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with alternating sexual and parthenogenetic generations on alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species produces dense woolly wax secretions covering its body, forming conspicuous colonies on branches and twigs. It is a phloem-feeding specialist with documented host associations primarily with alder, though its common name suggests potential maple associations that require verification.
Pachypappa
Pachypappa is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by Koch in 1856. The genus is currently considered valid, though some sources list it as a synonym of Cornaphis. Species are distributed across Europe and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Pachypappa pseudobyrsa
Pachypappa pseudobyrsa is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae, subfamily Pemphiginae. It belongs to a genus of root-feeding aphids associated with poplar and cottonwood trees (Populus spp.). The species was described by Benjamin Walsh in 1863 and is part of a taxonomically complex group of gall-forming and free-living aphids with alternating generations between tree hosts and secondary hosts.
Pachypappa sacculi
Aspen leaf-pocket aphid
Pachypappa sacculi, commonly known as the aspen leaf-pocket aphid, is a gall-forming aphid species in the family Aphididae. It induces distinctive pocket-like galls on leaves of aspen and related poplar species. The species belongs to the subfamily Pemphiginae, which includes many aphids that form complex plant galls. Observations on iNaturalist indicate it is documented across multiple regions where host trees occur.
Patchiella
Patchiella is a genus of aphids in the subfamily Pemphiginae, established by Tullgren in 1925. The genus is distinguished by its obligate association with Tilia species, where colonies form distinctive "leaf nests" by folding and binding leaves together. Members exhibit host alternation, migrating between Tilia (primary host) and Araceae (secondary host) seasonally. The genus includes P. kolokasia, recently documented from South Korea, expanding its known range from China and Japan.
Pemphigus populicaulis
Poplar Leaf-base Gall
Pemphigus populicaulis is a gall-forming aphid species that induces distinct galls at the leaf bases of poplar trees. As a member of the genus Pemphigus, it exhibits the typical life cycle of root-gall aphids, alternating between primary hosts (Populus species) and secondary hosts (often roots of herbaceous plants). The species was described by Fitch in 1859 and is widely distributed across North America. It is frequently referenced in historical literature on gall aphids but has been subject to taxonomic confusion with related Pemphigus species.
Prociphilus caryae
hickory woolly aphid
Prociphilus caryae, the hickory woolly aphid, is a species of woolly aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Prociphilus, this species is characterized by dense white waxy secretions that cover the body, giving it a distinctive woolly appearance. The species is associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) as its primary host. Woolly aphids in this genus are known for complex life cycles that typically involve host alternation between a primary woody host and secondary herbaceous hosts, though specific details for P. caryae are not well documented in available sources.
Prociphilus tessellatus
Woolly Alder Aphid, Maple Blight Aphid
Prociphilus tessellatus, commonly known as the woolly alder aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is notable for producing dense white, waxy filaments that cover its body, giving it a distinctive woolly or cloud-like appearance. The species has been observed forming colonies on alder (Alnus) species, including European alder (Alnus glutinosa). It serves as prey for various predators, including the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). The waxy secretions are believed to provide protection against predators and environmental conditions.
Thecabius populimonilis
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid
Thecabius populimonilis, commonly known as the Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It induces distinctive galls on cottonwood trees (Populus species). The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternation between primary and secondary host plants.